German · Real conversations

Restaurant problems: useful German phrases

Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

The check, please
die Rechnung, bitte
The check, please
A table for two
einen Tisch für zwei, bitte
A table for two
Menu
die Speisekarte
Menu
Napkin
die Serviette
Napkin

Make the conversation more specific

Useful German expressions for restaurant problems
What you want to say	German
The check, please	die Rechnung, bitte The check, please
A table for two	einen Tisch für zwei, bitte A table for two
Menu	die Speisekarte Menu
Napkin	die Serviette Napkin
This isn't what I ordered.	Das ist nicht das, was ich bestellt habe. Show English translation This isn't what I ordered.
Could we have a few more minutes?	Könnten wir noch ein paar Minuten haben? Show English translation Could we have a few more minutes?
Could we have separate bills?	Könnten wir getrennt zahlen? Show English translation Could we have separate bills?
We haven't received our ... yet.	Wir haben unser … noch nicht bekommen. Show English translation We haven't received our … yet.
I think there's a mistake on the bill.	Ich glaube, auf der Rechnung ist ein Fehler. Show English translation I think there's a mistake on the bill.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Hier ist Ihr Hähnchengericht.
Here is your chicken dish.
You
Das ist nicht das, was ich bestellt habe.
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner
Entschuldigung. Ich prüfe Ihre Bestellung. Möchten Sie schon ein Dessert wählen?
I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert?
You
Könnten wir noch ein paar Minuten haben?
Could we have a few more minutes?

Restaurant problems in other languages

A note on speaking German

Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.

The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.